The Director General of Equatorial Guinea’s National Financial Investigation Agency, Baltasar Engonga, has been detained following allegations that he recorded over 400 sextapes involving the spouses of prominent figures in the country.
The shocking revelations surfaced during a fraud investigation that led officials to search his residence and office, uncovering CDs that revealed explicit videos with various married women.
The tapes reportedly feature high-profile individuals, including Engonga’s brother’s wife, his cousin, the President’s sister, the wife of the Director General of Police, and the wives of around 20 ministers. Some scenes were allegedly filmed within his office, including moments with a woman beside the national flag, sparking a significant public outcry.
A report by local news outlet Ahora EG indicates that Engonga, widely known as “Bello,” has been embroiled in a scandal since October involving numerous women, some of whom were married.
The report stated that “Bello” documented the encounters with consent, which exempts him from certain legal repercussions related to non-consensual acts.
However, the government has taken strong action in response, citing the need for accountability among public officials.
Attorney General Nzang Nguema addressed the public on the matter, stressing that while consensual sexual relations are not criminal under current laws unless coercion or violence is involved, the widespread nature of this scandal raises significant public health concerns. He urged individuals in similar situations to come forward, emphasizing the importance of a supportive environment for reporting.
In response, Equatorial Guinea has implemented a “zero tolerance” policy, immediately suspending any officials involved in inappropriate activities within government offices.
Vice President Nguema Mangue condemned the actions, noting they violated both the nation’s Code of Conduct and Public Ethics Law, and emphasized that trust and respect are essential within public administration.
The Vice President reiterated on X that “ethics and respect are fundamental in our Administration,” and that such irresponsible behavior, which erodes public trust, will not be tolerated.
